Judge Approves Compensation for Mishandled Resuscitation at Birth

Posted on: July 1st, 2014 by Editor

A settlement package of compensation for a mishandled resuscitation at birth has been approved by a High Court judge in London.

At the High Court, Mr Justice Lewis heard how a seven-year-old boy – whose name was withheld – was born in November 2006 at Queen´s Medical Centre in Nottingham after suffering complications during his birth. Due to mishandled attempts to resuscitate him, the infant suffered severe brain damage which has resulted in him being unable to walk or talk. He has acute learning difficulties and will require around-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

The boy´s parents made a compensation claim for the mishandled resuscitation at birth on their son´s behalf against the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust alleging that their son´s brain damage was attributable to post-natal medical care deficiencies. The NHS Trust admitted there had been deficiencies in the provision of resuscitation on the day of the boy´s delivery and acknowledged liability for his birth injuries.

Mr Justice Lewis was told that the settlement which was agreed comprised of a £3.25 million lump sum and index-linked payments of £146,500 each year, which would rise to £230,000 when the boy reaches the age of nineteen. With an average life expectancy, the value of the compensation package is calculated at between £8 million and £9 million.

As part of the settlement of compensation for a mishandled resuscitation at birth, an apology to the family was read out in court by a barrister representing the NHS Trust, and Peter Homa – the Chief Executive of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – added, “Whilst no amount of money can compensate for, nor undo the harm and distress the family have experienced as a result of this tragic case, we hope this settlement provides the family with financial security for the future.”

Mr Justice Lewis then approved the settlement – commending the boy´s parents and family for the care they had provided for him over the past seven years, and wishing them well for the future.